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2026 Beaufort Hiking Spots Guide

Crystal Coast Map
Emerald Isle Indian Beach Pine Knoll Shores Atlantic Beach Shackleford Banks Beaufort Morehead City Cape Lookout Cedar Island Harkers Island New Bern
New Beaufort home at Beau Coast Retreat ...

Savor a calming stay at our newly-constructed coastal bungalow home in gorgeous, historic Beaufort! The coastal-themed 1,781 sq ft. home is located in Beau Coast, a impressive new community designed for the ultimate vacation lifestyle. First floor...

  • Beaufort
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
'East of the Sun' Beachside Apartment w/...

Let the sound of ocean waves wash over you as you relax at this 2-bedroom, 1-bath Emerald Isle apartment. Belonging to a 4-unit duplex just 30 yards from the Atlantic Ocean shore, the ‘East of the Sun’ vacation rental makes for a ideally...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 5
Island Ferry Adventures

Bird Shoal, Carrot Island, Sand Dollar Island & more! Dive into an exploration of some of the Southern Outer Banks’ most remote shorelines with an excursion that’s led by Island Ferry Adventures. Featuring both transport to the...

Southwind Shores | Oceanfront· Gated· ...

Oceanfront Atlantic Beach condo inside the gated Southwinds community — step off the private boardwalk and you`re on the sand. Direct Atlantic vistas and ocean sounds from the balcony, two outdoor pools, a king suite with linens guests call...

  • Atlantic Beach
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Lookout Cruises

Visitors can enjoy the Crystal Coast’s most coveted and hard-to-reach shorelines, or just embark on a breezy cruise of the open waters in search of dolphins and sunsets, with a trip that’s guided by Lookout Cruises. This local tour...

Island Ferry Adventures

Bird Shoal, Carrot Island, Sand Dollar Island & more! Dive into an exploration of some of the Southern Outer Banks’ most remote shorelines with an excursion that’s led by Island Ferry Adventures. Featuring both transport to the outlying islands as well as guided tours of some of the region’s most wild spots, this tour company has a lot to offer for shell seekers, nature buffs, and everyday adventurers alike.

Shackleford Wild Horse & Shelling Safari

Take a quick and scenic ferry ride with your experienced guide over to the pristine Outer Banks Island of Shackleford Banks, which is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There, you are introduced to the wild horses of Shackleford Banks. After the tour, you are directed to one of the best shelling beaches in all of North Carolina, where you can spend some time shelling your way down the beach with Cape Lookout Lighthouse off in the distance. Shackleford is well known as one of the...

Island Express Ferry Service

Island Express Ferry Service LLC is the only authorized concessionaire to drop off at Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks! Offering departures from both Beaufort and nearby Harkers Island, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the link between the communities of the Crystal Coast and the spectacularly beautiful and isolated barrier islands of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Accommodating passengers who want to explore the miles of pristine beaches, exceptional fishing and...

Rachel Carson Coastal Reserve

The Rachel Carson Coastal Reserve is a stunning stretch of barely-barrier island shoreline that’s found just off the coast of historic Downtown Beaufort. Covering 2,205 acres, this collection of three islands that are found along...